Earwigs are dark, elongated insects with prominent rear pincers that hide in damp cracks and mulch by day and forage at night. Common in Whidbey gardens and along foundations, they wander indoors in warm, wet weather but are largely harmless.
How to identify earwigs
About 1/2 to 3/4 inch, reddish-brown, with distinctive forceps-like pincers at the rear. Despite the pincers they rarely pinch people and cannot harm them.
Behavior & season on Whidbey & Fidalgo
They shelter in damp, tight spaces — mulch, under pots, and foundation cracks — and forage at night on plants and other insects. Warm, wet conditions push them indoors at ground level.
Why earwigs are a problem
They do not spread disease or damage structures, and the pincers are mostly for show. They can nibble seedlings and flowers outdoors and are an unsettling nuisance when they appear indoors.
Signs of earwigs activity
- Elongated insects with rear pincers near doors and foundations
- Nighttime activity in gardens and mulch
- Ragged feeding on seedlings and soft plants
- Indoor sightings in damp, warm weather
How Salty Dog treats earwigs
We treat perimeter harborage and reduce the damp cracks and mulch against the structure that shelter them. Learn more about our Outdoor Pest Control service, or browse the full Pest Library.
Reviewed by Matthew — Salty Dog Pest Control. WSDA-licensed structural pest applicator (License #101709). Veteran- and family-owned, serving Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island, and west Skagit County.
Frequently asked questions
Do earwigs crawl into ears?
No — that is a myth. They are harmless and simply seek out damp, tight hiding spots, occasionally including a home at ground level.
Do their pincers hurt?
They can give a harmless little pinch if handled, but they cannot injure a person.
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